MANILA, Philippines — About two million Filipinos, including infants, are suffering from psoriasis and many of them are not getting the appropriate treatment.

Ma. Angela Lavadia, Philippine Dermatological Society president, said there are new medications and intervention available for psoriasis, a non-infectious skin disease marked by red, itchy and scaly patches, but patients are not aware of it.

“About two percent of the country’s population are affected by psoriasis, but are afraid to come out and seek treatment,” Lavadia added.

She said psoriasis patients should seek immediate treatment, which would depend on the extent and severity of condition. Patients may be given topical treatments, like cream, or tablets to drink.

Lavadia added that her group is pushing Congress to pass a law providing free treatment for patients and to have it covered by PhilHealth.

“There are so many things that psoriasis patients like me wanted to enjoy, but the society prevents us from doing it,” De Guzman said.

Philippine Rheumatology Association president Bernadette Reyes also noted that one in three psoriasis patients suffers from arthritis, thus the need for them to consult with doctors of different specialties.